When a church leader urged Christians to "do something" about the recent court case declaring the U.S. Pledge of Allegiance unconstitutional, a gracEmail subscriber wrote me saying: "I haven't been trained to discern righteousness; I'm not sure when I should act and when not to take up the battle. Is there a right stance to take on issues? How can we better discern God's ways?" * * * From time to time, God will give you opportunity to minister wisdom and discernment to others in the form of well-timed words which are spoken in humility and in love. As you pray and watch, he will let you know … [Read more...]

A gracEmail subscriber from Michigan writes: "I've been feeling like I don't know how to discern truth and righteousness. Is there a right stance to take on various issues? How can we better discern God's ways and truths in our actions and focus?" * * * The art of knowing God's will regarding life issues comes with experience as we live in communion with the Father. One mark of the new covenant is that God's people "know" him (Jer. 31:31-34). Followers of Jesus Christ are personally and individually taught by God, who gives a spirit of wisdom and of revelation and enlightens the eyes of our … [Read more...]

A gracEmail reader asks about the biblical practice of decision-making by casting lots. "My wife and I sometimes narrow the choices based on our best judgment, pray, then cast lots for a final decision. Does God still work that way today?" * * * Casting lots is an ancient manner of seeking God's will in a particular decision. The practice involved putting stones of various colors or markings in a vessel and shaking it until one stone came out, or by reaching in and drawing out a stone sight unseen. Pious Jews and Christians did this "before the Lord," that is, while seeking God's guidance in … [Read more...]

An acquaintance was recently asked to lead a committee charged with producing a five-year plan for his Lutheran church. He searched the New Testament but found nothing about long-range planning. My own investigation yielded the same results. Throughout the Gospels, for example, Jesus simply goes about doing the Father's will. Jesus' miracles and parables, his encounters and teachings, occur almost incidentally. "As he was going along," the Gospel writers will say, "a certain woman came to Jesus" -- and the next thing we know something happens about which we still read and talk 2,000 years … [Read more...]

A gracEmail subscriber writes to say that he took a job which seemed to come in answer to prayer, but that he never felt assured that it was God's will. He finds it fulfilling and lucrative, but it takes him away from his family and church far more than he wishes. How can he discern the Lord's leading in this matter? * * * You suggest that you never had firm assurance of God's will in taking the job, although you sensed that it was the correct choice at the time. You do not say how your wife (who, I hope, is your spiritual partner) feels about this situation. And you are apparently having … [Read more...]

He faced a career decision, the young professional said, and he wondered if I could offer any spiritual wisdom. His years of hard work were paying off financially. Now another company was dangling a golden carrot to entice him to join them. The move would mean more money and less managerial responsibility, but more hours away from home and family. "My family," he told me, "is more important to me than anything else on earth." "It sounds to me that you already know what you want to do," I said. "But what if I turn down this opportunity now, and my own business goes sour some time in the … [Read more...]

A Christian sister writes: "I attend a United Methodist Church. We have raised our children and are now empty nesters. I continue to feel God's call to professional ministry. Why do I feel the call if it does not mean I am supposed to pursue it? I thank God for that call and hope to fulfill it as the Lord wishes. My gifts seem to always revolve around exhortation. My pastor is extremely busy as our church is growing dramatically and he doesn't have time for any personal mentoring. Any practical suggestions?" * * * I commend you for wanting to serve God with the gifts he has given to you. It … [Read more...]

A college Bible professor expresses doubt whether God will actually guide us in our everyday choices and decisions. He believes that is "micromanaging" and far too "individualistic," although he believes that God somehow guides the larger Christian community. * * * I would not call it "micromanaging" or improperly "individualistic" to think that the God who sees a sparrow fall, and who knows the number of hairs on our heads, is also both able and willing to provide guidance as to whom a believer marries, where she lives, or which career path he follows. While I am waiting in airports, I … [Read more...]

A sister in New Mexico asks for comment concerning Psalm 139:16, in which the Psalmist writes: "Thine eyes have seen my unformed substance. In Thy book they were all written, the days that were ordained for me, when as yet there was not one of them." * * * This ancient text assures us that God who made us also knows us intimately. God knows the number of our days and our months (Job 14:5). Our times are in his hand (Ps. 31:15). We were known to God before we were born -- even by name, according to some biblical examples. God knows those who take refuge in him (Nahum 1:7). Everything in our … [Read more...]

A gracEmail subscriber enjoys his work as a teacher and counselor but can barely pay his bills. He has been offered a more lucrative sales position for which he does not feel particularly suited. "Should I continue to rely on the Lord's faithfulness," he asks, "or should I find a way to earn more money?" * * * As you pray and seek God's guidance, you might conclude that the new offer is a temptation to pull away from the job which God has called and gifted and equipped you to perform -- and which gives you great satisfaction. You might conclude that God's provisions, though unscheduled, are … [Read more...]